Diabetes and depression

Does anyone else besides me have problems with depression? I get so down and out sometimes that I just want to give up. Then I think of my wonderful family, and friends. I get so discouraged at times, however, that I just loose interest in everything, and think, why bother. I have to push myself to do the things I need to do. It's like I am on an emotional roller coaster. Need some positive feed back; just need a little cheering up this morning I guess. I have the "Oh woe is me!" Don't want to feel this way. Help!

56 replies

I was never the kind of person that got down about anything, but since I started taking insulin I have been at times deeply depressed. I can cry over nothing, and everything.. Heres what I do when I'm down…1st I allow my self to cry yell feel sorry for myself, and I do this for 2 minutes, then I get up, dry off my face and make myself busy, even if I don't want to. this works for me, mostly anyway, but I know its just impossible some times, I hate feeling this way, and I know you do to. maybe you can call a friend and have go out for coffee or something. Hang in there, your not alone in this.

Hi Sue,If it is of any help to you, you are not alone with your feelings. It does require a lot of effort and positive action on our part to move past the depression that is a part of being diabetic. I was diagnosed August 28, 1995 with type II diabetes and have been insulin dependent for the past 2 years. Hang in there Sue. It will get better.Dolly

Thank you Dolly for your positive comments. I am trying to keep looking up and staying positive. I do a lot of praying for all of us who are having to deal with this terrible disease. I try to keep reminding myself that it could be something a whole lot worse, something that we could have no control over what-so-ever. Hugs, Sue

Hi Sue:I too have those thoughts and feelings. On occasion in the past I had acted upon them. I still have days when I feel like that. So far, my medications are helping (to me helping or working is not attempting suicide)…but, unfortunately they are not a cure. I try all kinds of things to help: Follow medical treatment, therapy sessions, proper vitamins, enough sunlight many days (I moved from Minnesota partially because of my severe depression). I read an article about depression on the Mayo Clinic's website some time ago, but I recalled one section saying that living in the northern states can be a factor in causing depression. They listed Minnesota as one of the states. I was kind of in shock, but read more and it became much clearer to me how that could be. The lack of sunshine takes away vitamins from your body, I believe it was "D" specifically, but don't quote me on that. It has a tendency to depress oneself because of the longer winters and less chance of sunshine. I believe it with all my heart.Come early fall, I have my medications adjusted to prepare for the winter season. Thank goodness it's not as bad here in Oklahoma.I live with people who also suffer from depression. Each for different reasons. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is one of them (which I also have). So I see depression around me plus the severe depression I have, it makes for a big downer.I have found though, that if we can be comical and have a good sense of humor, it helps each of us. Takes some of the pressure off and lightens the load that I try to let God help me with. I think I have side tracked here.This time of year is usually the worst because of holidays, winter around the corner, etc. You spend all your time trying to do for others and your last on the list if at all.If a friend should ask you out or to visit. Force yourself to say yes. It'll help having someone around you. Don't isolate yourself (I should talk, I do it all the time, but I know it's not good for me).I have tried sunlamps and the like, which for me are no substitute for the warm wonderful sun. If you can try just sitting in a sunny window and closing your eyes while it shines in on you. I hope you will start thinking how great it feels, and then those thoughts lead to other more soothing things. This one does help me. I thank God for every sunny day we have.Last but not least, don't forget you have a friend in each and everyone of us right here on this website. The people here have done good things for me and I think that letting it out to others who really do care, helps a great deal.I will be praying for you and thinking of you daily (you've also helped me in letting me know I'm not alone).Your depressed new friend, LOLPam

Hi Pam: It is good hearing from you, and don't worry about how long your comments are. I appreciate all the help I can get. I have other issues with my depression,and I know that these issues add to the depression. Sometimes I have these horrible. awful bad thoughts go through my mind that I deffinately do not want there. And, I'm sure that everyone has had this or something simular happen to them at some time or other. It usually has to do with religion. I am having a hard time this morning with these thoughts running rampant through my mind. They fill me with all kinds of fears, and I pray daily that they will go away. I am fighting for my sanity right now. Does this ever happen to you? This probably doesn't make any sense to you at all because it is too painful for me to go into what the thoughts are about. Maybe some time I will get up enough courage to go into it more deeply. Pray for me. And, thank you for being my friend. Sue

Next month I will "celebrate" 60 years with diabetes. I am 62 years old. No depression, but probably because I really know nothing else. I pray for the older new comers to this disease because of the life style changes required. Count you blessings, because, what we went through, you're not. Several doctores tried to use me as a guinea pig and learning tool. Mom would find another doctor; a couple times when I was on my own, I changed becauseof the untrained who wanted to learn at my expense. Count your blessings. You have much better resources and better control than was available for those of us who survived the dark ages. Take care of yourself and ENJOY life. We are blessed people. As for the "circus employees" who try to get you to eat what you shouldn't, well, just smile and go on. While living in WY, I rode to Devil's Tower by bicycle. I was 43 years old. My mother thought I was nusts. My wife just said "GO FOR IT". I had a ball riding and camping along the way. Nineteen years ago, we didn't have the designer drugs available today. I do miss the $1.89 vials we had then, but then again, we're better controlled with the "good" stuff. Have fun, hang in there.

You are amazing! This is what I like to hear. Sounds like you have led an interesting life, to say the least. I am so glad to hear from you. You seem to have such a good attitude about life after all you have been through. And, I do count my blessings. I realize how lucky I am. You said it in a nut shell, "ENJOY" life. That is what I am going to try to do; enjoy my life, my children, my grandchildren, my new husband and the life that we now have together. Thank you so much for sharing your lifes accomplishments with me. I would love to hear more from you. Keep in touch. Sue

I have had diabetes for about fifty years now. I try to do the right thing by what I have and can afford. The hours of work have been cut back so much now that I can not afford my medication or most of it that I need. I have a supervisor that enjoys yelling at my team or co-workers. With only a few hours of work each day and a rush to get the work done has brought me down to nothing. I did have a wonderful lady that I was taking care of and she met a lot to me. Now with the pressure from all sides I feel like calling it quits all togather. I'm tired of this, I've dealt with it my whole life from bad comments from co-workers, bosses, friends and neighbors. It's just a waste of time if I don't get a BIG relief here soon.

Hang in there Craig, I know how you feel. There are so many people who don't understand what we are going through, and really don't care. My family gives me a hard time a lot, they think that I should just go on about my life as though nothing is wrong. They don't understand how badly you can feel at times. They don't understand what a struggle it is. But, we have got to keep on fighting this thing, and it looks like you have been fighting for a very long time. Are you a type 1 or type II? I hope things work out for you so that you can continue to get the medications you need. Hugs

Craig-just wanted to let you know that I'm a type 1 diabetic for 45 years. I have been through a lot of "battles" and am disabled and am paying for cobra which takes about 40% of my check! Then I see MANY specialists which costs 30.00 per visit and then I have to get meds which I take approximately 14. So as you can see I don't have much left to live on. I am married so at least there is help with some of our other bills but it's ALWAYS a struggle. NOW THE PURPOSE of letting you know all of this is because I found a foundation that was able to help me financially. If they wouldn't have come through for me back in August I'm not sure what I would have done! Anyway-the name of the foundation is THE HEALTHWELL FOUNDATION-their phone # is 1-800-675-8416. They were able to pay for 4 months of my cobra insurance payments!!!! They also help with medicines so you may want to check them out. I hope and pray that this helps you. KEEP GOING AS THERE IS HELP AVAILABLE.

I'm sorry you are feeling so low. Keep on going. I have Type 1 also and sometimes I feel so depressed that I can sit down in a chair at home and wonder 2 hrs later what I have been doing. But things always seem to get a little better.Hang in there and stay close to your best friends. They will help you and love you.

Thank you Nancy, that was very encouraging. Since I was diagnosed about a year and half ago, I haven't wanted to do anything. I have just let this disease take over my life, and that is not a good thing. I have been trying lately to think more positive, but sometimes it gets me down no matter how positive I try to be. Now with the holidays comming up, I am starting to get down again, but I know that I can't let that happen. I just keep prying for strength to cope and get through it all.

If everyone copies the following link and pastes it in their browser and reads the story, you will all feel better about your depression. This beautiful young girl is one of my son's very best friends. We all have hard times, some people just have it harder than others.

I think what you're going through is natural and normal. Being diabetic just intensifies it more at times it seems. I think you're doing all the right things by focusing on the positives. It's hard to be positive 100% of the time.

I am a Type 1 Diabetic, I was diagnosed ten years ago at age 13. The fact that I could not live my life like a normal teenager like the rest of my friends made me severely depressed. These last ten years, I overcame suicide attempts and numerous hospital stays for DKA. So, I can understand your feelings of depression. But you are stronger than this disease, WE ALL ARE!

I still struggle with depression today. My medical insurance was recently discontinued and because I have a pre-existing condition, finding coverage for myself is a battle. The programs that I do qualify for cost more than I can afford, and I'm already working two jobs and going to school full-time. To add to it, I broke my foot and have to use crutches and wear a fiberglass cast for the next 3 months. All of these problems are valid causes for depression, but as a human being, and as a strong woman, you and I, EVERYONE, is blessed with the strength to handle whatever comes our way.

To deal with it, I have gone to a psychiartrist and didn't like having to share my true feelings with a stranger. I am on anti-depressant medication, and I rely heavily on my faith, I pray, I meditate, I depend of the fellowship of my church. I rely on my fiance, he is the first person (who was not a doctor) to care so intensely about my Diabetes. He takes care of me like no one else. I rely on my nieces and nephews, their smiles, their laughter, and their simple existence brings joy to my world. I also rely on my music to keep me grounded and positive. I think if you surround yourself with what makes you happy, you will feel happy.

I think that this place is a wonderful way for people who need the understanding of someone who actually does know what we are going through. Its one thing to hear it from someone expressing SYMPATHY, however there is much more feeling and a deeper meaning to hear it from someone expressing EMPATHY.

I pray God blesses you in all that you do, please keep a positive attitude for tomorrow is another day.

Well, Lii: I am impressed! You have over come so many obstacles in your young life, and you have such a positive attitude.

I am so sorry that you are still struggling with the depression. I understand that because I have two therapists that I see on a regular basis. I know how hard it is to be honest with them and tell them your inner most thoughts and feelings, but you have to do that in order for them to give you the help that you need. It has been hard for me. But I know that is what I have to do in order for them to help me.

I too have struggled with the suicide thing. There have been several times that I wanted to just give up. I am thankful that I didn't and haven't. I have a wonderful husband who is always here for me, two beautiful daughters, and three gorgeous grand children. I want to stay around and watch the grand children grown up and share as much of their lives that I can.

You hang in there too. We will hang in together. If you ever need anyone to talk to, I'm here.

Thank you Sue! I can tell that you are a strong woman, and it feels great to be able to speak with other people who really do understand what we are going through =) I think that having the support of others will help us with the depression, and as long as we keep our heads up, and seek the light in the darkness, I believe whole-heartedly that we will be blessed beyond our own comprehension. Thank you for being a friend =)

Sorry you are not having a good day. Do not give up because your family loves you and need you. I know how you feel because I am suffering from depression. I found out about 4 years ago that I suffer from depression. My life has changed because some days I do not want to get out of bed. I have 4 children that need and depend on me so I struggle everyday to do what I need to do to get by from day to day. Believe me when I say I know exactly what you are going through. I met this young lady who is bipolar. She talked to me for over an hour one day and thought that by talking to someone made her feel better and got her out of her bad mood. If you need someone to talk to I am a good listner. We could help each other out.

Thank you forrest, I appreciate that. It's hard sometimes isn't it? I think that we "can" help each other. Sometimes it just helps to have someone to talk to and share things with. Sometimes we can even laugh about things when you get to talking about what you are going through with someone who understands, and that helps. Love ya, Sue

Hi Sue,Iknow what you mean about depressioni IWas so depressed when I found out I wasdiabetic. Dr. put me on Zolof and it worked for a while. Then I started getting all these other conditions and heswitched me to lexapro. It works pretty good but I still have those days where Ijust feel like crap. I hope you feel better today. Take care of yourself. Dan

Hi Dan: Well, I "was" feeling better today until I got a lecture from my daughter. She just doesn't understand how this disease can affect you, emotionally and in other ways. I am still having a problem putting my seperation and divorce from my ex-husband behind me, and moving on with my life. We went to the Mall to do some Christmas shopping, and of course I ran into an old friend of mine and my ex-husbands. Naturally that brought back a lot of old unpleasant memories. Well, I let that bring me down,and the depression set in. But, I am trying to put that out of my mind and get on with things. Oh, I also wanted to mention that I am on an anti anxiety medication which helps, but I realize that I have got to get stronger and not let these things affect me. What to do?????

Well Sue I have been there, I ran into her family. The only thing you can do is put out of your mind and don't let it get to you. Not only does it make you depressed but it can make your BG's goup and you don't want that happening.Dan

I know that the stress does bring your BS up, and I try and tell myslef that he is not worth this. I need to be taking care of myself. He is not worth my getting all stressed out over. I just can't understand why when I see him, or a friend that we had together, or pass a place where he hangs out, or hear something about him, that it bothers me so. I have got to get over this. I have a wonderful husband now, one who loves and respects me, and is always here for me, and on my side. I know that I need to put it out of my mind and not let it get to me. I think I have OCD, it just gets in there and sticks. LOL

Hi Daniel: Feeling a little down this a.m., I have had the ex on my mind since I passed one of his old hang outs yesterday and saw him standing out front talking to some of his old buddies. I have been depressed ever since. I have an appointment with one of my therapists this afternoon. Hope he can help. He will probably tell me that I am crazy(no pun intended) and to get over it. Well, that is what I am trying to do because it is only destroying me, and he is not worth it. I give him too much power.

Ricco, I can emphathize with you. I fell a few years ago and shattered my left knee; I am in constant pain from that. I have had five surgeries,got staff infection in that knee, and it took a couple of years to get rid of the staff; had to have some plastic surgery. They split the calf muscle and did a flap to give me some support in that leg. I almost lost my leg, but I didn't. I have no knee cap and no tendons, so I have to be very careful when walking; if I get off balance a little bit, down I go. I fell not too long ago and broke my right wrist and had to have surgery on that; now I have plates and screws in my wrist, it hurts all the time. That was the third time that that has happened to me. Went through a very painful separation and divorce. I have a wonderful husband now who is always here for me. Just a few months after we were married, he got cancer, and was diagnosed as a D4, and in all reality, he should not have made it, but he did. He has the best attitude, and is always trying to encourage me. I became very depressed when that happened, and started having panic attacks, because he has a heart condition and while going through the cancer treatment, his heart would go into atrial fibrillation, scare me to death. I would rush him to the hospital not knowing if he was going to make it or not. Just after we got him through everything he was going through, I got diabetes. There are just a lot of things that I am trying to deal with right now, and sometimes these things just become overwhelming. I know that there are a lot of people who are worse off than I. I also know that the best way to deal with our problems is to get our minds off ourselves, and think and do for others. I have started contacting old friends and making plans to get together with them. We kind of lost touch when all of these things started happening. But that is starting to change. I'm just having one of those down days, but it will end, and tomorrow is another day. I am trying to take one day at a time. Thank you all for being here for me. There are so many kind and loving people in the world, and you guys are some of the best. Sue

When I was first diagnosed I went through a depression…actually I should say I acknowledged my depression and took some steps to deal with it, meds and talk therapy. I was only on anti-depressants for a year, did talk therapy for a little longer and it really helped. I still struggle with it from time to time, but I look to the blessings in my life to get me through. I have also had a lot of health issues, cancer (I'm cancer free), osteoarithtis in both knees (prothestic in left knee), and digestive problems. But I am blessed. 2 years ago I went back to school full time to pursue a dream, and I have loving family and friends around me. And I'm blessed to have 2 cats in my life that I love dearly. And that's what I do when the depression starts to overwhelm me, I count my blessings. Take care!

Thank you Nash: Sounds like you have had a rough go of it too. And, I do count my blessings, and I have been truly blessed. Each and everyone of you on this site has been a blessing to me. I appreciate you all!!!! I appreciate the fact that there are people out there who are willing to listen to all of my complaints. LOL Sometimes family and friends just get tired of hearing them, and believe me, they don't mind letting you know that they do.

I agree with the other posters. Also, another good way to forget about your problems is to do some random acts of service to others. It doesn't have to be much, a warm smile, a kind word, a visit to a hospital and read to sick children. The list is endless.I'm not a preacher, but it is Sunday, and the scriptures tell us..when you are in the service of your fellow beings, you are in the service to your God. Hang in there, try to keep a smile on your face, and many here are here for you.Jim

Sue- we all feel that way from time to time. Make a list for yourself of things that YOU enjoy and take time to do some of them even if it is a 15 minute bubble bath or listening to your favorite music while a nicely scented candle burns. There are many things we each enjoy but depression pushes them away and diabetes and all it entails on a daily basis can be a real downer. Keep your list handy and MAKE time to do the things that matter to you. Good luck and keep us posted.Hugs, Betsie

I suffer from chronic recurring depression and chronic pain. Sometimes it's hard for me to focus. I have an Orion Plate and screws in my neck from a shattered C-5, C-6 vertebrae with a lot of nerve damage. The right side of my head was crushed and I lost my right eye. In my left forearm the Ulna nerve, tendon, muscles and artery was severed and now I have diabetes. But lately I have been doing things that I really love and keeping in touch with friends and family has helped quite a bit. I only found out that I had diabetes about 4 months ago and needless to say, that added to my depression. Now that I have learned to keep my blood suger under control I am back to doing the things I enjoy. It is a great idea to make a list of the things you like or the things that make you happy and it doesn't hurt to try new things. I have found that diet and exercise should not be limited to our bodies, we must apply diet and exercise to not only our minds but our hearts as well. No matter you or how you may feel there is always something positive around. Just take the time to notice. I sinceely thank you all for you blogs and comments. You are all a God Send. Keep the faith and keep moving forward.

Yes, jigsaw, I agree. I had a good session with one of my therapists yesterday. I am having to relearn how I think and deal with all the stresses, fears, anger, and frustrations in my life. I am getting in contact with a lot of old friends, and family members that I have been out of touch with for a long time, and that is really helping me a lot. I start chatting with them and get involved in what is going on in their lives and it takes my mind off of myself for a while. For such a long time after I was diagnosed I didn't want to have anything to do with anyone. I was in such a state of shock that I allowed it to imobilize me. But, I am getting better now, and things don't seem as bad as they did in the begining. I am finding that we all have some sort of problem or problems to deal with, and it helps to talk to others and see how they cope, and that helps you to better cope with your situations. Hugs, Sue

Hasn't been a good day for me today; it is my ex-husband's birthday. Brought back some old memories. I should have read over all of these comments, and maybe I would have had a better day. Got to get over these things, and not let them get me down, after all it comes around every year, huh! Got to put the past in the past and leave it there. I need your prayers for strength. Love to all.

That sounds like a good idea. I don't do anything for myself, and I need to start doing that. I need to start spending more time with my friends, and doing things that I enjoy doing. I have been fighting panic attacks all day today; I think I need a big glass of that "Red Wine!" LOL

Diabetes can be a very depressing disease. You have to remember, thou, unlike certain cancers and immune deficiency diseases, diabetes is also a treatable disease. Yes you have to make lifestyle changes, but, in truth, most of these lifestyle changes will make you a healthier person anyway. And the more active you are, the less time you have to dwell on the down side of the disease. I think everyone gets depressed at times. It's what you do when you are depressed that makes the difference. You have people that love and need you. Those people are the ones you need to concentrate on, not the disease itself. If you take your meds, exercise and watch your diet, you'll be okay. Enlist your family members in a support network. Let them know when you feel down. Or simply write down what you're feeling. It's great therapy just to get those feelings out of your system even it is only by writing them down. Keep your chin up and hang in there. You're not alone.

I am very sorry you are feeling so depressed. I have lived with depression for many,many years. I try not to dwell on the things that are out of my control and just keep pushing forward,doing things that make me happy, getting out of the house,a lot of times I don't want to because of all the pain but once I get out,or not start dwelling on things I am much happier. You just have to start believing that you can handle this disease,and,have a healthier and happy outlook on life. You can do this,I know you can! I hope this helped some.

It has helped a lot. There are times that I want even go out of the house. I became so terrified when I was diagnosed. And I have passed out several times with no warning. That makes me a little bit leary to drive. I have got to get my confidence back. Thanks, Sue

hi grannymama..im a grandma too and have a daughter who at the age of 7/12 yrs diagnosed with type 1 diabeties …shes 16 now… to answer your reply why am i deppressed? we all deal with lifes ups and downs … and to a diabetic the downs get more so…as with other afflictions to our health .. that causes depression.. this is in some a affirmation that all is lost? no..its not with these pages ill tell you ive seen it as well with my daughter (deppression) young or older it has no prefference to whom it hits..i can say that she ..i have delt with this talking openly ( as you are ) thats good!!! and getting feed back..from others too.. you are not alone .. let the help come to you.. youve made the first step.. you are courajouse in doing so.. i might add… look forward to each day.. by opening up your in box and read what others share with you.. this is deffinitly a sure thing!!! take care …thinking of you kristyns way